One Nation's Rinehart Plane Ride: Illegal Donation or Campaign Strategy?

On March 19th, here's the latest out of Adelaide.

Pauline Hanson and Corey Bernardi from one nation flew around regional South Australia

on a plane owned by billionaire Gina Reinhardt's company, SA, Kidman and Company.

They used it for campaign stops ahead of this weekend's state election.

This marks the first election since new laws banned private donations to political parties.

Labor raised concerns about whether this counts as an illegal donation under the state's electoral act.

They wrote to the electoral commissioner asking for a review of the flights.

The ban took effect last July with limited exceptions like small individual donations up to $5,000 for new candidates.

Premier Peter Malinowskas called the plane use pretty extraordinary

and demanded an explanation from one nation.

He questioned why they lacked a clear plan for the state.

Meanwhile, Bernardi defended the trips, saying he plans to pay for his seat just like he

covers his own travel costs everywhere else.

Hanson noted her thanks to the company's chief executive for the flights between Adelaide,

Mount Gambier and other spots.

Bernardi described Reinhardt as a friend and praised her as a wonderful Australian.

He has not yet received the bill for the flights.

One nation has seen a boost with a recent poll showing their primary vote at 22 percent

ahead of the Liberals at 19 percent.

Bernardi stressed a need to reach voters across the state that others overlook.

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